China approved five gene-edited crop varieties and 12 types of genetically modified soybeans, corn, and cotton. Reuters says the expanded approvals are intended to boost high-yielding crops, reduce the need for imports, and ensure Chinese food security.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs awarded safety certificates to the 17 crop varieties, according to a document on its website. The approved gene-edited crops include two soybean varieties, and one each of wheat, corn, and rice.
China mostly imports GM crops like corn and soybeans for animal feed, while cultivating non-GM varieties for food consumption. Many Chinese consumers remain concerned about the safety of GM food crops.
A ministry document says the safety certificates for the newly approved varieties are valid for five years, starting from December 25, 2024. China has also approved importing an insect-resistant and herbicide-tolerant GM soybean variety from the German firm BASF exclusively as a processing material, the ministry added.
Sabrina Halvorson
National Correspondent / AgNet Media, Inc.
Sabrina Halvorson is an award-winning journalist, broadcaster, and public speaker who specializes in agriculture. She primarily reports on legislative issues and hosts The AgNet News Hour. She was recently named the 2024 Farm Broadcaster of the Year by the National Association of Farm Broadcasting and serves as a Council Member on the World Agriculture Forum. Sabrina is a native of California’s agriculture-rich Central Valley and now divides her time between California and North Dakota.